Trump orders review of Green Cards from 19 countries after National Guard shooting

President Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping review of Green Cards issued to nationals from 19 “countries of concern” following the deadly shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The attack, carried out by 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal near the White House, resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe critically injured. In response, the Trump administration suspended all immigration processing for Afghan nationals and directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to conduct a rigorous re-examination of all permanent residency approvals from these high-risk countries. The list includes Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Venezuela, and others that were previously highlighted for security-related entry restrictions. Officials say the move is intended to strengthen national security and prevent potential lapses in vetting, with USCIS leadership stating that national origin will now serve as a significant negative factor in immigration decisions. The directive applies not only to new applicants but also to existing Green Card holders, raising concerns among immigrant communities and rights groups about fairness, due process, and the possibility of widespread status reviews or revocations. The policy took immediate effect after the shooting, marking one of the sharpest shifts in U.S. immigration enforcement under Trump’s renewed focus on security and vetting.